Montreal’s iconic Notre-Dame Basilica, hidden behind scaffolding for a decade, is gearing up for a spectacular reveal of its restored facade on October 25th.
To celebrate the occasion, a special concert featuring the New World Philharmonic Society and organist Jean-Willy Kunz has been organized. While seats inside the basilica are already fully booked, those without tickets can still enjoy an open-air performance outside the church before the concert begins.
Although the facade restoration is complete, there is still much work to be done at the basilica. Only about 20% of the necessary restoration work has been finished, with estimates suggesting that exterior renovations alone could take up to four years. Interior restoration is projected to continue for another five to ten years.
The total cost of the restoration project, both inside and out, amounts to a staggering $100 million. To fund this extensive work, the basilica has turned to various sources, including charity concerts, revenue from its Le Firmament café in partnership with Café Saint-Henri, and innovative fundraising campaigns such as the option to “sponsor a stone” and leave a digital message on the facade.
Through augmented reality technology, donors can view their messages on the church’s facade via mobile phones or projected onto flat surfaces. This unique approach aims to engage supporters and raise awareness for the ongoing restoration efforts.
The restoration work is crucial as the entire structure requires reinforcement and repair. Over the years, weathering has caused cracks in the stone, leading to water penetration issues and deterioration of the decorative elements inside the basilica.
Despite the challenges, the basilica remains committed to preserving its historic beauty and heritage. With ongoing fundraising efforts and community support, the restoration project aims to ensure the basilica stands strong for generations to come.
